US20230411726A1 - Battery pack with multi-layered thermal energy transfer assembly and thermal energy transfer method - Google Patents
Battery pack with multi-layered thermal energy transfer assembly and thermal energy transfer method Download PDFInfo
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- US20230411726A1 US20230411726A1 US17/841,761 US202217841761A US2023411726A1 US 20230411726 A1 US20230411726 A1 US 20230411726A1 US 202217841761 A US202217841761 A US 202217841761A US 2023411726 A1 US2023411726 A1 US 2023411726A1
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- thermal energy
- battery pack
- coolant
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 33
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 78
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052987 metal hydride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/61—Types of temperature control
- H01M10/613—Cooling or keeping cold
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/62—Heating or cooling; Temperature control specially adapted for specific applications
- H01M10/625—Vehicles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/64—Heating or cooling; Temperature control characterised by the shape of the cells
- H01M10/647—Prismatic or flat cells, e.g. pouch cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/653—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by electrically insulating or thermally conductive materials
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/655—Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
- H01M10/6554—Rods or plates
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/655—Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
- H01M10/6554—Rods or plates
- H01M10/6555—Rods or plates arranged between the cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/655—Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
- H01M10/6556—Solid parts with flow channel passages or pipes for heat exchange
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/655—Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
- H01M10/6556—Solid parts with flow channel passages or pipes for heat exchange
- H01M10/6557—Solid parts with flow channel passages or pipes for heat exchange arranged between the cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/656—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by the type of heat-exchange fluid
- H01M10/6567—Liquids
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/658—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells by thermal insulation or shielding
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
- H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
- H01M50/209—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/244—Secondary casings; Racks; Suspension devices; Carrying devices; Holders characterised by their mounting method
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/249—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/289—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
- H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to communicating thermal energy from a battery pack.
- Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because electrified vehicles include a drivetrain having one or more electric machines.
- the electric machines can drive the electrified vehicles instead of, or in addition to, an internal combustion engine.
- a traction battery pack assembly can power the electric machines.
- the traction battery pack assembly of an electrified vehicle can include groups of battery cells.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, including: a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells distributed along an axis and a plurality of thermal energy transfer assemblies distributed along the axis, each thermal energy transfer assembly disposed between axially adjacent battery cells within the plurality of battery cells, each thermal energy transfer assembly including a first sheet and a second sheet that sandwich an insulation layer; a coolant plate assembly; and a base sheet sandwiched between the coolant plate assembly and the cell stack, the base sheet configured to communicate thermal energy from the first sheet and the second sheet to the coolant plate assembly.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are connected directly to the base sheet.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the base sheet is a first material, and the coolant plate assembly is a different, second material.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first material includes copper, wherein the second material includes aluminum.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are copper.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the coolant plate assembly includes paths configured to communicate a liquid coolant.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are each in direct contact with an axially facing side of a respective one of the battery cells.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the coolant plate assembly include a first plate, a second plate spaced a distance from the first plate, and a plurality of fins extending between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the coolant plate assembly is configured to communicate coolant between the first plate and the second plate.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the plurality of fins are staggered relative to a direction of coolant flow through the coolant plate assembly.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the base sheet is vertically between the cell stack and the coolant plate assembly.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet extend vertically upward from the base sheet.
- the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the cell stack is part of a traction battery pack assembly.
- the techniques described herein relate to a method of thermal transfer within a battery pack, including: communicating thermal energy from a battery cell in a cell stack to a first sheet of a thermal energy transfer assembly; insulating the first sheet from a second sheet of the thermal energy transfer assembly using an insulation layer of the thermal energy transfer assembly; communicating thermal energy from the first sheet to a base sheet that is sandwiched between a coolant plate assembly and the cell stack; and communicating thermal energy from the base sheet to the coolant plate assembly.
- the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including communicating thermal energy form the coolant plate assembly by communicating a liquid coolant through the coolant plate assembly.
- the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the liquid coolant communicates through the coolant plate assembly along a plurality of staggered paths.
- the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are connected directly to the base sheet.
- the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the base sheet and the coolant plate assembly are different materials.
- the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the base sheet is copper.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an electrified vehicle having a traction battery pack.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded perspective view of the traction battery pack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of a cell stack from the traction battery pack.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a thermal energy transfer assembly from the traction battery pack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a coolant plate assembly from the traction battery pack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a section view at line 6 - 6 in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a section view of a coolant plate assembly according to another example embodiment.
- This disclosure details example traction battery pack assemblies having a base sheet between a cell stack and a coolant plate assembly.
- the base sheet can facilitate thermal energy transfer between cells of the cell stack and the coolant plate assembly.
- an electrified vehicle 10 includes a traction battery pack assembly 14 , an electric machine 18 , and wheels 22 .
- the traction battery pack assembly 14 powers an electric machine 18 , which can convert electrical power to mechanical power to drive the wheels 22 .
- the traction battery pack assembly 14 can be a relatively high-voltage battery.
- the traction battery pack assembly 14 is, in the exemplary embodiment, secured to an underbody 26 of the electrified vehicle 10 .
- the traction battery pack assembly 14 could be located elsewhere on the electrified vehicle 10 in other examples.
- the electrified vehicle 10 is an all-electric vehicle. In other examples, the electrified vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle, which selectively drives wheels using torque provided by an internal combustion engine instead of, or in addition to, an electric machine. Generally, the electrified vehicle 10 could be any type of vehicle having a traction battery pack.
- the traction battery pack assembly 14 includes a plurality of battery cells 30 held within an enclosure assembly 34 .
- the enclosure assembly 34 includes an enclosure cover 38 and an enclosure tray 42 .
- the enclosure cover 38 is secured to the enclosure tray 42 to provide an interior area 44 that houses the plurality of battery cells 30 .
- the plurality of battery cells (or simply, “cells”) 30 are for supplying electrical power to various components of the electrified vehicle 10 .
- the battery cells 30 are stacked side-by-side relative to one another to construct a cell stack 46 .
- each cell stack 46 includes eight individual battery cells 30
- the battery pack 14 includes four cell stacks 46 within the interior area 44 of the enclosure assembly 34 .
- the traction battery pack assembly 14 could include any number of cells 30 and cell stacks 46 . In other words, this disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration of cells 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the battery cells 30 are prismatic, lithium-ion cells.
- battery cells having other geometries cylindrical, pouch, etc.
- chemistries nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid, etc.
- Each of the cell stacks 46 includes a plurality of the cells 30 distributed along an axis A.
- the cell stacks 46 also include a plurality of thermal energy transfer assemblies 50 distributed along the axis A.
- Each of the thermal energy transfer assemblies 50 is disposed between axially adjacent cells 30 of the cell stack 46 .
- the cells 30 alternate with thermal energy transfer assemblies 50 .
- the thermal energy transfer assemblies 50 are a multi-layered assembly.
- the thermal energy transfer assemblies 50 each include a first sheet 54 , a second sheet 58 , and an insulation layer 62 sandwiched between the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 .
- the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 can be a metal or metal alloy material having relatively high thermal conductivity.
- the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 are copper, in some examples.
- the insulation layer 62 could be foam.
- the cell stacks 46 are disposed on a base sheet 60 , which is disposed on a coolant plate assembly 64 .
- the base sheet 60 in this example, is sandwiched between the coolant plate assembly 64 and the cell stack 46 .
- the base sheet 60 is a relative thin sheet of material.
- the base sheet 60 is configured to communicate thermal energy from the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 to the coolant plate assembly 64 .
- the base sheet 60 can be directly connected to the coolant plate assembly 64 using an adhesive, for example.
- the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 rest on the base sheet 60 in direct contact with the base sheet 60 .
- the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 can be directly connected to the base sheet 60 .
- the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 extend vertically upward from the base sheet in this example.
- Vertical for purposes of this disclosure, is with reference to ground and a generally orientation of the battery pack 14 when installed within the vehicle 10 .
- the base sheet is vertically between the cell stack 46 and the coolant plate assembly 64 .
- Coolant circulates through the coolant plate assemblies 64 to, in this example, remove thermal energy from the battery pack 14 .
- the coolant moves from the enclosure 34 to a thermal energy exchanger 68 , such as a radiator. Thermal energy is releases from the coolant at the thermal energy exchanger 68 .
- the coolant is then circulated back through the coolant plate assemblies 64 within the battery pack 14 .
- the thermal energy transfer assemblies 50 facilitate movement of thermal energy to the coolant plate assembly 64 .
- each battery cell 30 is sandwiched between two sheets—the first sheet 54 of one of the thermal energy transfer assemblies 50 and the second sheet 58 of another of the thermal energy transfer assemblies 50 .
- two sheets in direct contact with respective axially facing sides of one of the battery cells 30 can take on thermal energy from that battery cell 30 .
- Thermal energy then moves through the sheets to the base sheet 60 .
- Thermal energy spreads through the base sheet 60 and can then transfer from the base sheet 60 to the coolant plate assembly 64 .
- the insulation layer 62 can help to prevent thermal energy from passing from one of the battery cells 30 , through one of the sheets 54 , 58 , to another of the battery cells 30 . Blocking sufficient thermal energy from passing to axially adjacent battery cells 30 can help to prevent thermal runaway conditions.
- the coolant plate assembly 64 can be a metal or metal alloy material, such as aluminum.
- the coolant plate assembly 64 in this example, include a first plate 74 , a second plate 78 spaced a distance from the first plate 74 , and a plurality of fins 82 extending between the first plate 74 and the second plate 78 .
- the spacing establishes a plurality of paths 84 within the coolant plate assembly 64 that can be used to communicate coolant through the coolant plate assembly 64 .
- a first group 86 of the fins 82 is staggered relative to a second group 90 of fins 82 that is downstream from the first group 86 .
- the staggering is relative to a general direction of flow of the coolant C through the coolant plate assembly 64 .
- the staggering can introduce turbulence into the flow of coolant C through the coolant plate assembly 64 , which can facilitate thermal energy transfer between the coolant and the coolant plate assembly 64 .
- a coolant plate assembly 64 A includes fins 82 A of a first group 86 A, second group 90 A, a third group 86 B, and a fourth group 90 B.
- the fins 82 A each have a have a wavy profile.
- a method of communicating thermal energy from one of the battery cells 30 in the cells stacks 46 can first transfer thermal energy from the cell 30 to the first sheet 54 of the multilayered thermal energy transfer assembly 50 .
- the method insulates the thermal energy from moving to the second sheet 58 of the thermal energy transfer assembly 50 using an insulation layer of the thermal energy transfer assembly.
- the thermal energy communicates from the first sheet 54 to the base sheet 60 , which is sandwiched between the coolant plate assembly 64 and the cell stack 46 .
- Thermal energy then communicates from the base sheet 60 to the coolant plate assembly 64 .
- coolant C which is a liquid coolant, takes on the thermal energy and removes it from the battery pack 14 .
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- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
Abstract
A battery pack assembly includes a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells distributed along an axis and a plurality of thermal energy transfer assemblies distributed along the axis. Each thermal energy transfer assembly is disposed between axially adjacent battery cells within the plurality of battery cells. Each thermal energy transfer assembly includes a first sheet and a second sheet that sandwich an insulation layer. The battery pack assembly further includes a coolant plate assembly and a base sheet sandwiched between the coolant plate assembly and the cell stack. The base sheet is configured to communicate thermal energy from the first sheet and the second sheet to the coolant plate assembly.
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to communicating thermal energy from a battery pack.
- Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because electrified vehicles include a drivetrain having one or more electric machines. The electric machines can drive the electrified vehicles instead of, or in addition to, an internal combustion engine. A traction battery pack assembly can power the electric machines. The traction battery pack assembly of an electrified vehicle can include groups of battery cells.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, including: a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells distributed along an axis and a plurality of thermal energy transfer assemblies distributed along the axis, each thermal energy transfer assembly disposed between axially adjacent battery cells within the plurality of battery cells, each thermal energy transfer assembly including a first sheet and a second sheet that sandwich an insulation layer; a coolant plate assembly; and a base sheet sandwiched between the coolant plate assembly and the cell stack, the base sheet configured to communicate thermal energy from the first sheet and the second sheet to the coolant plate assembly.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are connected directly to the base sheet.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the base sheet is a first material, and the coolant plate assembly is a different, second material.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first material includes copper, wherein the second material includes aluminum.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are copper.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the coolant plate assembly includes paths configured to communicate a liquid coolant.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are each in direct contact with an axially facing side of a respective one of the battery cells.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the coolant plate assembly include a first plate, a second plate spaced a distance from the first plate, and a plurality of fins extending between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the coolant plate assembly is configured to communicate coolant between the first plate and the second plate.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the plurality of fins are staggered relative to a direction of coolant flow through the coolant plate assembly.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the base sheet is vertically between the cell stack and the coolant plate assembly.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet extend vertically upward from the base sheet.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery pack assembly, wherein the cell stack is part of a traction battery pack assembly.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of thermal transfer within a battery pack, including: communicating thermal energy from a battery cell in a cell stack to a first sheet of a thermal energy transfer assembly; insulating the first sheet from a second sheet of the thermal energy transfer assembly using an insulation layer of the thermal energy transfer assembly; communicating thermal energy from the first sheet to a base sheet that is sandwiched between a coolant plate assembly and the cell stack; and communicating thermal energy from the base sheet to the coolant plate assembly.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including communicating thermal energy form the coolant plate assembly by communicating a liquid coolant through the coolant plate assembly.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the liquid coolant communicates through the coolant plate assembly along a plurality of staggered paths.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are connected directly to the base sheet.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the base sheet and the coolant plate assembly are different materials.
- In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the base sheet is copper.
- The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
- The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an electrified vehicle having a traction battery pack. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded perspective view of the traction battery pack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of a cell stack from the traction battery pack. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a thermal energy transfer assembly from the traction battery pack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a coolant plate assembly from the traction battery pack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a section view at line 6-6 inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates a section view of a coolant plate assembly according to another example embodiment. - This disclosure details example traction battery pack assemblies having a base sheet between a cell stack and a coolant plate assembly. The base sheet can facilitate thermal energy transfer between cells of the cell stack and the coolant plate assembly.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , anelectrified vehicle 10 includes a tractionbattery pack assembly 14, anelectric machine 18, andwheels 22. The tractionbattery pack assembly 14 powers anelectric machine 18, which can convert electrical power to mechanical power to drive thewheels 22. The tractionbattery pack assembly 14 can be a relatively high-voltage battery. - The traction
battery pack assembly 14 is, in the exemplary embodiment, secured to anunderbody 26 of theelectrified vehicle 10. The tractionbattery pack assembly 14 could be located elsewhere on the electrifiedvehicle 10 in other examples. - The
electrified vehicle 10 is an all-electric vehicle. In other examples, theelectrified vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle, which selectively drives wheels using torque provided by an internal combustion engine instead of, or in addition to, an electric machine. Generally, theelectrified vehicle 10 could be any type of vehicle having a traction battery pack. - With reference now to
FIGS. 2-4 , the tractionbattery pack assembly 14 includes a plurality ofbattery cells 30 held within anenclosure assembly 34. In the exemplary embodiment, theenclosure assembly 34 includes anenclosure cover 38 and anenclosure tray 42. Theenclosure cover 38 is secured to theenclosure tray 42 to provide aninterior area 44 that houses the plurality ofbattery cells 30. - The plurality of battery cells (or simply, “cells”) 30 are for supplying electrical power to various components of the
electrified vehicle 10. Thebattery cells 30 are stacked side-by-side relative to one another to construct acell stack 46. In this example, eachcell stack 46 includes eightindividual battery cells 30, and thebattery pack 14 includes fourcell stacks 46 within theinterior area 44 of theenclosure assembly 34. - Although a specific number of
battery cells 30 andcells stacks 46 are illustrated in the various figures of this disclosure, the tractionbattery pack assembly 14 could include any number ofcells 30 andcell stacks 46. In other words, this disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration ofcells 30 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 . - In an embodiment, the
battery cells 30 are prismatic, lithium-ion cells. However, battery cells having other geometries (cylindrical, pouch, etc.) and/or chemistries (nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid, etc.) could alternatively be utilized within the scope of this disclosure. - Each of the
cell stacks 46 includes a plurality of thecells 30 distributed along an axis A. Thecell stacks 46 also include a plurality of thermalenergy transfer assemblies 50 distributed along the axis A. Each of the thermalenergy transfer assemblies 50 is disposed between axiallyadjacent cells 30 of thecell stack 46. Along the axis A, thecells 30 alternate with thermalenergy transfer assemblies 50. - The thermal
energy transfer assemblies 50 are a multi-layered assembly. The thermalenergy transfer assemblies 50 each include a first sheet 54, a second sheet 58, and an insulation layer 62 sandwiched between the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58. The first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 can be a metal or metal alloy material having relatively high thermal conductivity. The first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 are copper, in some examples. The insulation layer 62 could be foam. - Within the
enclosure 34, the cell stacks 46 are disposed on abase sheet 60, which is disposed on acoolant plate assembly 64. Thebase sheet 60, in this example, is sandwiched between thecoolant plate assembly 64 and thecell stack 46. Thebase sheet 60 is a relative thin sheet of material. Thebase sheet 60 is configured to communicate thermal energy from the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 to thecoolant plate assembly 64. Thebase sheet 60 can be directly connected to thecoolant plate assembly 64 using an adhesive, for example. - The first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 rest on the
base sheet 60 in direct contact with thebase sheet 60. In some examples, the first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 can be directly connected to thebase sheet 60. - The first sheet 54 and the second sheet 58 extend vertically upward from the base sheet in this example. Vertical, for purposes of this disclosure, is with reference to ground and a generally orientation of the
battery pack 14 when installed within thevehicle 10. The base sheet is vertically between thecell stack 46 and thecoolant plate assembly 64. - Coolant circulates through the
coolant plate assemblies 64 to, in this example, remove thermal energy from thebattery pack 14. After the coolant takes on thermal energy within theenclosure 34, the coolant moves from theenclosure 34 to athermal energy exchanger 68, such as a radiator. Thermal energy is releases from the coolant at thethermal energy exchanger 68. The coolant is then circulated back through thecoolant plate assemblies 64 within thebattery pack 14. - The thermal
energy transfer assemblies 50 facilitate movement of thermal energy to thecoolant plate assembly 64. In particular, eachbattery cell 30 is sandwiched between two sheets—the first sheet 54 of one of the thermalenergy transfer assemblies 50 and the second sheet 58 of another of the thermalenergy transfer assemblies 50. Thus, two sheets in direct contact with respective axially facing sides of one of thebattery cells 30 can take on thermal energy from thatbattery cell 30. Thermal energy then moves through the sheets to thebase sheet 60. Thermal energy spreads through thebase sheet 60 and can then transfer from thebase sheet 60 to thecoolant plate assembly 64. The insulation layer 62 can help to prevent thermal energy from passing from one of thebattery cells 30, through one of the sheets 54, 58, to another of thebattery cells 30. Blocking sufficient thermal energy from passing to axiallyadjacent battery cells 30 can help to prevent thermal runaway conditions. - With reference now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 and continued reference toFIGS. 2-4 , thecoolant plate assembly 64 can be a metal or metal alloy material, such as aluminum. Thecoolant plate assembly 64, in this example, include afirst plate 74, asecond plate 78 spaced a distance from thefirst plate 74, and a plurality offins 82 extending between thefirst plate 74 and thesecond plate 78. The spacing establishes a plurality ofpaths 84 within thecoolant plate assembly 64 that can be used to communicate coolant through thecoolant plate assembly 64. - In this example, a
first group 86 of thefins 82 is staggered relative to asecond group 90 offins 82 that is downstream from thefirst group 86. The staggering is relative to a general direction of flow of the coolant C through thecoolant plate assembly 64. The staggering can introduce turbulence into the flow of coolant C through thecoolant plate assembly 64, which can facilitate thermal energy transfer between the coolant and thecoolant plate assembly 64. - The
fins 82 of thefirst group 86 and thesecond group 90 each extend linearly in this example. In another examples, as shown inFIG. 7 , acoolant plate assembly 64A includesfins 82A of afirst group 86A,second group 90A, athird group 86B, and afourth group 90B. Thefins 82A each have a have a wavy profile. - A method of communicating thermal energy from one of the
battery cells 30 in the cells stacks 46 can first transfer thermal energy from thecell 30 to the first sheet 54 of the multilayered thermalenergy transfer assembly 50. The method insulates the thermal energy from moving to the second sheet 58 of the thermalenergy transfer assembly 50 using an insulation layer of the thermal energy transfer assembly. The thermal energy communicates from the first sheet 54 to thebase sheet 60, which is sandwiched between thecoolant plate assembly 64 and thecell stack 46. Thermal energy then communicates from thebase sheet 60 to thecoolant plate assembly 64. Within thecoolant plate assembly 64, coolant C, which is a liquid coolant, takes on the thermal energy and removes it from thebattery pack 14. - The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Thus, the scope of protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.
Claims (18)
1. A battery pack assembly, comprising:
a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells distributed along an axis and a plurality of thermal energy transfer assemblies distributed along the axis, each thermal energy transfer assembly disposed between axially adjacent battery cells within the plurality of battery cells, each thermal energy transfer assembly including a first sheet and a second sheet that sandwich an insulation layer;
a coolant plate assembly; and
a base sheet sandwiched between the coolant plate assembly and the cell stack, the base sheet configured to communicate thermal energy from the first sheet and the second sheet to the coolant plate assembly.
2. The battery pack assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are connected directly to the base sheet.
3. The battery pack assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base sheet is a first material, and the coolant plate assembly is a different, second material.
4. The battery pack assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first material comprises copper, wherein the second material comprises aluminum.
5. The battery pack assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are copper.
6. The battery pack assembly of claim 1 , wherein the coolant plate assembly includes paths configured to communicate a liquid coolant.
7. The battery pack assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are each in direct contact with an axially facing side of a respective one of the battery cells.
8. The battery pack assembly of claim 1 , wherein the coolant plate assembly include a first plate, a second plate spaced a distance from the first plate, and a plurality of fins extending between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the coolant plate assembly is configured to communicate coolant between the first plate and the second plate.
9. The battery pack assembly of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of fins are staggered relative to a direction of coolant flow through the coolant plate assembly.
10. The battery pack assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base sheet is vertically between the cell stack and the coolant plate assembly.
11. The battery pack assembly of claim 10 , wherein the first sheet and the second sheet extend vertically upward from the base sheet.
12. The battery pack assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cell stack is part of a traction battery pack assembly.
13. A method of thermal transfer within a battery pack, comprising:
communicating thermal energy from a battery cell in a cell stack to a first sheet of a thermal energy transfer assembly;
insulating the first sheet from a second sheet of the thermal energy transfer assembly using an insulation layer of the thermal energy transfer assembly;
communicating thermal energy from the first sheet to a base sheet that is sandwiched between a coolant plate assembly and the cell stack; and
communicating thermal energy from the base sheet to the coolant plate assembly.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising communicating thermal energy form the coolant plate assembly by communicating a liquid coolant through the coolant plate assembly.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the liquid coolant communicates through the coolant plate assembly along a plurality of staggered paths.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are connected directly to the base sheet.
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein the base sheet and the coolant plate assembly are different materials.
18. The method of claim 13 , wherein the base sheet is copper.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/841,761 US20230411726A1 (en) | 2022-06-16 | 2022-06-16 | Battery pack with multi-layered thermal energy transfer assembly and thermal energy transfer method |
CN202310633199.0A CN117254179A (en) | 2022-06-16 | 2023-05-31 | Battery pack having a multi-layered thermal energy transfer assembly and thermal energy transfer method |
DE102023114335.2A DE102023114335A1 (en) | 2022-06-16 | 2023-05-31 | BATTERY PACK WITH MULTI-LAYER HEAT ENERGY TRANSFER ASSEMBLY AND HEAT ENERGY TRANSFER METHOD |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/841,761 US20230411726A1 (en) | 2022-06-16 | 2022-06-16 | Battery pack with multi-layered thermal energy transfer assembly and thermal energy transfer method |
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US20230411726A1 true US20230411726A1 (en) | 2023-12-21 |
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US17/841,761 Pending US20230411726A1 (en) | 2022-06-16 | 2022-06-16 | Battery pack with multi-layered thermal energy transfer assembly and thermal energy transfer method |
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US (1) | US20230411726A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN117254179A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102023114335A1 (en) |
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2022
- 2022-06-16 US US17/841,761 patent/US20230411726A1/en active Pending
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2023
- 2023-05-31 CN CN202310633199.0A patent/CN117254179A/en active Pending
- 2023-05-31 DE DE102023114335.2A patent/DE102023114335A1/en active Pending
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DE102023114335A1 (en) | 2023-12-21 |
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